Container assembly with releasable substrate

ABSTRACT

A container is disclosed that includes an outer shell with an opening. A receptacle can be insertable through the opening of the outer shell, the receptacle configured to receive contents of the container. A flexible substrate can be releasably sealed to the receptacle. The flexible substrate can include a first edge, a second edge opposite the first edge, and one or more anchors positioned on or adjacent the second edge. Each of the one or more anchors are configured, upon unpeeling an inner side of the flexible substrate from the receptacle, to remain adhered to the receptacle

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part (CIP) of U.S. Design patentapplication No. 29/788,824, filed Jul. 30, 2021, which is incorporatedby reference in its entirety, for all purposes, herein.

FIELD

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to smallcontainers and more specifically containers with child-resistantfeatures, and related methods of use thereof.

BACKGROUND

Portable, child-resistant containers may be useful for a variety ofapplications. For example, such containers may be used to storecontents, such as medications, tobacco products, cannabis products, orother products and substances that may be hazardous to children. Suchcontainers may ideally be lightweight, easily opened and closed to keepthe contents fresh, and include a mechanism suitable for preventingchildren from accessing the contents. Existing containers may lack someor all of these desirable features and may further be constructed in amanner that is inefficient for mass production. Accordingly, existingcontainers may not be suitable for retail distribution of theaforementioned products that may be stored in such containers.

As such, there exists a need for improved child-resistant containers andmethods of using the same to provide users with the desirable featuresdescribed herein previously via a container that can be manufactured ina low-cost and efficient manner.

The present disclosure is directed to addressing the above-referencedchallenges. The background description provided herein is for thepurpose of generally presenting the context of the disclosure. Unlessotherwise indicated herein, the materials described in this section arenot prior art to the claims in this application and are not admitted tobe prior art, or suggestions of the prior art, by inclusion in thissection.

SUMMARY

In accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure, acontainer is disclosed that includes an outer shell with an opening. Areceptacle can be insertable through the opening of the outer shell, thereceptacle configured to receive contents of the container. A flexiblesubstrate can be releasably sealed to the receptacle. The flexiblesubstrate can include a first edge, a second edge opposite the firstedge, and one or more anchors positioned on or adjacent the second edge.Each of the one or more anchors are configured, upon unpeeling an innerside of the flexible substrate from the receptacle, to remain adhered tothe receptacle

In some examples, the outer shell is a sleeve with an opening throughwhich the receptacle can be inserted.

In some aspects, the outer shell can include an open upper end. A covercan be releasably connected to the open upper end to form an enclosurebetween the cover and the outer shell.

In some aspects, the first edge can be included with a pull tab.

In some aspects, the inner side includes an adhesive that can beselectively positioned and configured to removably seal the inner sideto an upper planar surface of the receptacle.

In some aspects, the one or more anchors is integrally formed with theinner side and extending from one or more cutouts located adjacent thesecond edge, wherein the one or more anchors include a fixed endpositioned on or adjacent the second edge and an elongate portionextended away from the second edge within the one or more cutouts.

In some aspects, the outer shell includes a closed lower end and acavity defined between the closed lower end and the open upper end.

In some aspects, one or more walls are extended from the closed lowerend to the open upper end of the outer shell, the one or more wallsincluding one or more receivers configured to securely engage with alocking mechanism of the receptacle once the receptacle is nested withinthe outer shell.

In some aspects, the one or more receivers include a latch inwardlyextended from the one or more walls to which the locking mechanismcouples when the receptacle is nested within the outer shell.

In some aspects, the receptacle can be a locking blister including oneor more recesses configured to receive the contents.

In some aspects, the one or more recesses can include at least threespaced apart recesses contiguous with a planar upper surface of thereceptacle, each of the at least three spaced apart recesses configuredto separately receive a portion of the contents.

In some aspects, the receptacle can include a planar upper surfaceadjacent the one or more recesses. A locking mechanism can extend fromat least one of the planar upper surface and a wall of the receptacle tosecurely engage the receptacle with one or more receivers of the outershell.

In some aspects, the receptacle can be an integrally formed plasticstructure.

In some aspects, the locking mechanism can be contiguously formed withthe at least one of the planar upper surface and the wall of thereceptacle, the locking mechanism including a locking panel hingedlyarticulating away from a first edge of the receptacle.

In some aspects, the locking mechanism can include a first locking panelextended from a wall positioned on a first edge of the planar uppersurface and a second locking panel extended away from a wall positionedon a second edge of the planar upper surface, the first edge beingopposite the second edge.

In some aspects, a flexible substrate is disclosed, which can include aninner side configured to be adhered to an opening of a container. Afirst edge can be included with a pull tab. A second edge can beopposite the first edge. One or more anchors can be positioned on oradjacent the second edge. Each of the one or more anchors areconfigured, upon unpeeling the inner side from the container, to remainadhered to the opening of the container.

In some aspects, the one or more anchors can include a paddle-like shapewith an elongate portion having a constant width and a fixed endproximally extended from the elongate portion having a width less thanthe constant width of the elongate portion.

In some aspects, the one or more cutouts include a pair of roundedportions curved into a centralmost portion of the fixed end. In someaspects, the centralmost portion is be thinnest portion of the fixed endwhereas proximal and distal portions of the fixed end outward from thecentralmost portion.

In some aspects, the one or more anchors can be integrally formed withthe inner side and extending from one or more cutouts located adjacentthe second edge.

In some aspects, the one or more anchors can include a fixed endpositioned on or adjacent the second edge and an elongate portionextended away from the second edge within the one or more cutouts.

In some aspects, each elongated portion is configured, upon unpeelingthe substrate from the container by the first edge toward the secondedge, to remain adhered to the opening of the container.

In some aspects, the inner side is unpeeled by the first edge toward thesecond edge from the container by grasping the pull tab.

In some aspects, a method is disclosed for assembling a container thatincludes an outer shell or a sleeve comprising an opening and areceptacle insertable through the opening and configured to receivecontents of the container. The method can include adhering an inner sideof a flexible substrate to at least one of the opening and an uppersurface of the receptacle. The flexible substrate can include a firstedge and a second edge opposite the first edge, and one or more anchorspositioned on or adjacent the second edge. The one or more anchors canbe integrally formed with the inner side and extend from one or morecutouts of the flexible substrate adjacent the second edge. The one ormore anchors can include a paddle-like shape with an elongate portionhaving a constant width. The method can include unpeeling, from thefirst edge, the inner side of the flexible substrate from the at leastone of the opening and the upper surface of the receptacle such that,upon unpeeling the inner side of the flexible substrate to expose thecontents, one or more anchors of the flexible substrate opposite thefirst edge remain adhered to the at least one of the opening and theupper surface of the receptacle.

In some aspects, the method can include extending a fixed end portion ofthe one or more anchors from the elongate portion, the fixed endcomprising a width less than the constant width of the elongate portion.

In some aspects, the method can include sealing, from the first edge,the inner side of the flexible substrate back to the at least one of theopening and the upper surface of the receptacle.

In some aspects, the method can end after some or all of these steps. Inother aspects, additional steps according to the examples describedherein can be performed.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certainillustrative aspects are described herein in connection with thefollowing description and the appended drawings. These aspects areindicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which theprinciples of the claimed subject matter may be employed and the claimedsubject matter is intended to include all such aspects and theirequivalents. Other advantages and novel features may become apparentfrom the following detailed description when considered in conjunctionwith the drawings

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of this specification, illustrate various exemplary aspects of thedisclosure, and together with the description serve to explain theprinciples of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1A shows an upper isometric view of an assembled container system,according to certain aspects of this disclosure.

FIG. 1B shows a lower isometric view of the assembled container systemof FIG. 1A.

FIG. 2A shows an isometric view of the assembled container system ofFIG. 1 .

FIG. 2B shows an exploded view of the assembled container system of FIG.1 .

FIG. 3 shows a lower isometric view of an insert of the container systemof FIG. 1 .

FIG. 4A shows an upper isometric view of the assembled container systemof FIG. 1 with a substrate in an opened state.

FIG. 4B shows a top plan view of the assembled container system of FIG.4A with the substrate in the opened state.

FIG. 5A shows a close-up upper isometric view of section 5A-5A of FIG.2B.

FIG. 5B shows a close-up upper isometric view of section 5B-5B of FIG.2B.

FIG. 6A shows an upper isometric view of a partially exploded containersystem in a first configuration, according to certain aspects of thisdisclosure.

FIG. 6B shows a lower isometric view of the assembled container systemof FIG. 6A in a second configuration.

FIG. 7A shows an upper isometric view of a partially exploded containersystem in a first configuration, according to certain aspects of thisdisclosure.

FIG. 7B shows an upper isometric view of an assembled container systemwith a substrate partially shown in an opened state.

FIG. 7C shows an upper isometric view of an example receptacle.

FIG. 8 depicts a flow diagram of a method of assembling a containersystem according to certain aspects of this disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Particular aspects of the present disclosure are described in greaterdetail below. The terms and definitions provided herein control, if inconflict with terms and/or definitions incorporated by reference. TheFigures are not necessarily to scale and some features may beexaggerated or minimized to show details of particular components. Anyspecific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not tobe interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and asa representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variouslyemploy the disclosed subject matter.

Particular aspects of the present disclosure may repeat referencenumerals and/or letters in the various examples. This repetition is forthe purpose of simplicity and clarity, and does not in itself dictate arelationship between the various embodiments and/or configurationsdiscussed. Different embodiments may have different advantages, and noparticular advantage is necessarily required of any embodiment.

As used herein, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” or any othervariation thereof are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, suchthat a process, method, composition, article, or apparatus thatcomprises a list of elements does not include only those elements, butmay include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to suchprocess, method, composition, article, or apparatus. The term“exemplary” is used in the sense of “example” rather than “ideal.”

As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include pluralreference unless the context dictates otherwise.

As used herein, “approximately” and “about” refer to being nearly thesame as a referenced number or value. As used herein, the terms“approximately” and “about” should be understood to encompass ±10% of aspecified amount or value (e.g., “about 90%” can refer to the range ofvalues from 81% to 99%).

As used herein, when an element is referred to as being “connected” or“coupled” to another element, it can be directly connected or coupled tothe other element or intervening elements may be present. In contrast,if an element is referred to as being “directly connected” or “directlycoupled” to another element, there are no intervening elements present.

In general, the present disclosure is directed to improved containersand methods for using the same. The devices and methods according to thepresent disclosure offer significant technical benefits which willbecome apparent. Portable, child-resistant containers may be useful forstoring medications, tobacco products, cannabis products, or otherproducts and substances that may be hazardous to children. As oneexample, such containers may be used to store contents, such aspre-rolled tobacco or cannabis cigarettes. In such an application,child-resistant containers may serve multiple functions, such asprotecting the contents from physical damage during shipment,maintaining the freshness of the contents, providing a means for an enduser to safely and easily transport the contents, and preventing accessby children to whom the contents may be hazardous or toxic.

It may be desirable for child-resistant containers to be sufficientlyrigid to protect the contents during shipment, for example, to a retaillocation or to an end user. If the contents of a container includepre-rolled cigarettes, for example, the container may protect thecigarettes from physical damage during shipment. The container mayfurther be suitable for being packed in large quantities with othersimilar containers without buckling or flattening.

It may also be desirable for child-resistant containers to be easilyopened and resealed such that the contents need not be removed from thecontainer all at once. For example, a user may wish to open such acontainer to remove contents (e.g., one of multiple cigarettes forimmediate use and reseal the remaining cigarettes in the container).However, the user may save the remaining contents for later use in thecontainer, thereby preventing the contents, such as cigarettes or otherperishable product(s), from becoming stale and also preventing access ofthe remaining contents by children. The container may further allow theuser to easily transport the remaining cigarettes in a pocket, forexample, without risking crushing, tearing, or other physical damage tothe cigarettes.

It may further be desirable for child-resistant containers to include amechanism suitable for preventing children from accessing the contentsof the containers while simultaneously being easily operable by theintended user. An easily operable mechanism may be operated manually,requiring minimal force and not requiring tools. An easily operablemechanism may also be sufficiently complex so as to inhibit a child fromopening the container, but not so complex that an adult could notreadily open the container.

Additionally, it may be desirable for child-resistant containersincorporating one or more of the foregoing features to be formed of asimple construction to enable efficient and low-cost manufacturing.Therefore, such containers may be used in high-volume packagingapplications without significantly contributing to a cost of the endproduct.

Accordingly, a need exists for improved child-resistant containers andmethods of using the same to provide users with the desirable featuresdescribed herein previously via a container that can be manufactured ina low-cost and efficient manner. Embodiments of the present disclosureoffer technical solutions to address the foregoing needs, as well asother needs.

Turning to the drawings, FIG. 1A is an upper isometric view of acontainer system 100 in a first configuration, according to certainaspects of this disclosure. In the first configuration, container system100 can be partially or completely assembled. FIG. 1B shows a lowerisometric view of container system 100 in the first, assembledconfiguration. Container system 100 can include a cover 110 that isreleasably connected to the open upper end 132 of an outer shell 130 toform an enclosure therebetween configured to store contents. Cover 110and/or outer shell 130 can be can be formed, for example, of foldedpaper materials such as paperboard, cardboard, or the like. In someembodiments, cover 110 and/or outer shell 130 may alternatively beformed of molded plastic materials such as polyethylene terephthalate(PET), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC),low-density polyethylene (LDPE), polypropylene (PP) or polystyrene. Insome embodiments, cover 110 and/or outer shell 130 may formed of astamped metal material such as aluminum, tin, or the like. It isunderstood that the term, “contents”, can include any consumablematerial such as medications, pre-rolled cigarettes, edible products, orany other item (e.g., a solid, liquid, gel, or any other form) suitablefor storage.

To access the contents of container system 100, a user can begin withthe assembled container system 100 of FIGS. 1A and 1B, then remove cover110. As shown in FIG. 2A, cover 110 can be substantially rectangular andinclude a first edge 118 parallel and opposite a second edge 116. Athird edge 119 can be orthogonal to either or both of edges 116, 118. Afourth edge 115 can be opposite and parallel to edge 119. While cover110 is shown with four edges in a substantially rectangular shape, othershapes of cover 110 are possible, as needed or required. Cover 110 canalso include a protective outer surface 111. Cover 110 can include oneor more receivers 113 to securely engage with one or more correspondingcouplers 133 of outer shell 130 in the assembled state. In some aspects,receiver 113 can be a cutout or aperture sized to securely receivecorresponding coupler 133 of outer shell 130. For example, one or morereceivers 113 can include a cutout in edge 115 and the one or morecorresponding couplers 133 can include a latch or protrusion configuredfor insertion into one or more receivers 113 in the assembled state. Insome aspects, when assembling outer shell 130 to cover 110, one or morecorresponding couplers 133 can be configured to flex inwardly untilbeing sufficiently coupled with one or more receivers 113 as outer shell130 is assembled with cover 110. To disengage the one or more couplers133 from the corresponding receivers 113, an externally positionedmarking 134 can be provided. In some aspects, an end user may disengagecouplers 133 from receivers 113 by feeling the outer surface of outershell 130 until sensing marking 134 and then squeezing outer shell 130,thereby causing couplers 133 to disengage from receivers 113.

With cover 110 removed, as in FIG. 2A, substrate 150 can be seencovering receptacle 170 in the first configuration, which is shownnested in outer shell 130. In some aspects, it is contemplated thatcontents can be sealed (e.g., hermetically sealed) in one or morerecesses 171 a of receptacle 170 when flexible substrate 150 isremovably sealed thereover. Substrate 150 can be transparent, opaque,semi-transparent, or any combination thereof.

Exemplary structure of receptacle 170 is shown and further discussed inFIG. 3 and FIG. 4A. Substrate 150 can be at least one of a flexiblemembrane, film, sheet, surface, or other flexible member(s) configuredto be attached in a manner so as to create a fluid impermeable seal andre-seal contents in receptacle 170 and/or outer shell 130. Non-limitingexamples of fluid-impermeable materials contemplated to constructsubstrate 150 can include natural and synthetic rubbers, polyvinylchloride, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers, polyurethanes, acrylicester polymers, polyamides and the like. Other examples of flexiblesubstrates are contemplated to include polyethylene terephthalate (PET),oriented polypropylene (OPP), biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP),Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), art paper (wood-based), Coated Art paper(laminated with polypropylene), wood free paper, polycarbonates (PC),PET plated aluminum and/or gold, aluminum foil, nylon, and/or aholographic material, as needed or required.

Receptacle 170 can be insertable through open upper end 132 of outershell 130. Receptacle 170 can be a locking blister that is integrallyformed (e.g., a molded plastic structure) and can include one or morerecesses 171 a to receive the contents (see FIGS. 3 and 4A). Receptacle170 can be formed from plastic material(s) such as PET, HDPE, PVC, LDPE,PP or polystyrene. As shown in FIG. 3 , which is a lower isometric viewof receptacle 170 when disassembled from container system 100, the oneor more recesses 171 a can include at least three spaced apart andaligned recesses contiguous with a planar upper surface 171 bsurrounding the recesses. Each of the depicted recesses 171 a isconfigured to separately receive all or a portion of the contents ofcontainer system 100. FIG. 3 shows three aligned recesses 171 a withaxes of adjacent recesses 171 a aligned in parallel. However, thesolution of this disclosure is not so limited and it is contemplatedthat fewer (e.g., two recesses, only one recess, etc.) or greater (e.g.,more than three recesses) number of recesses 171 a can be included inreceptacle 170. For example, referring to FIGS. 7B and 7C, an exampleembodiment of modified receptacle 370 is shown, with similar structureto receptacle 170, except with more than three recesses 371 a. In FIG.7B, receptacle 370 is nested, assembled with outer shell 330 while FIG.7C shows receptacle 370 alone. Receptacle 370 as illustrated can includefour recesses 371 a, though fewer or greater number of recesses 371 acan be included. Recesses 371 a can each include respective axis 371 baligned in a non-parallel orientation relative to an axis 371 b of animmediately adjacent recess 371 a. As used herein, the term“non-parallel” can refer to any orientation defined by an angle formedbetween one axis 371 b relative to an immediately adjacent axis 371 bthat less than or greater than 180 degrees but never 180 degrees (e.g.,15 degrees, 30 degrees, 45 degrees, 90 degrees, etc.). In some aspects,recesses 371 a can each be formed with different and/or the samenon-parallel orientations than immediately an adjacent recess 371 a. Insome aspects, some of the recesses 371 a can each be formed withnon-parallel orientations while other recesses 371 a can be orientedparallel. As shown in the example embodiments of FIGS. 7B-7C, therecesses 371 a may be arranged in a fan-like configuration. That is,proximal ends of recesses 371 a may be disposed closer to one anotherthan the respective distal ends of recesses 371 a.

Turning back to FIG. 3 , the one or more recesses 171 a of receptacle170 can be arranged as a matrix or grid of separate recesses integralwith planar surface 171 b. Moreover, recesses 171 a may include anysuitable shape and/or configuration. Referring to substrate 150, it caninclude an outer surface 151 opposite inner surface 153 (inner surface153 is shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B where substrate 150 is being unpeeled).Inner surface 153 can include adhesive A selectively positioned thereonso as to facilitate sealing and re-sealing with corresponding surfacesof receptacle 170 and outer shell 130. In some aspects, adhesive A canbe any suitable adhesive (e.g., glue) provided directly and/orindirectly in contact with a suitable substrate (e.g., any of the hereindescribed substrates), such as a pressure sensitive adhesive. In someaspects, adhesive A can be selectively positioned in one or more regionsof inner surface 153 so as to seal and re-seal with planar surface 171 bof receptacle 170, whereas other of the remaining regions of innersurface 153 can lack adhesive A, so as to avoid inadvertent sticking orotherwise damaging contents disposed within corresponding recesses 171a. Adhesive A can be selectively positioned in one more adhering stripssized and positioned relative to corresponding planar surfaces 171 b andto avoid corresponding recesses 171 a.

In some aspects, adhesive A can be applied only along the perimeter ofsubstrate 150 or otherwise selectively positioned so substrate 150 cansufficiently seal with corresponding surfaces of receptacle 170 and/orshell 130. While substrate 150 is shown as a seal-on/peel off coverthrough use of an adhesive, it is contemplated that substrate 150 caninclude other seal/re-seal approaches, including being a substrate thatsnaps-on or is press-fit to open and close and hinge about one or moreanchors 152. In some aspects, a rubber gasket can be included (e.g.,along an inner perimeter surface of open upper end 132 or along an outerperimeter surface of receptacle 170). For example, substrate 150 caninclude one or more mechanical connectors to facilitate sufficientsealing between substrate 150 and receptacle 170 and/or open upper end132, including but not limited to one or more magnetic connectors, anopenable seal along the perimeter of receptacle 170 and/or open upperend 132, a slider seal substrate 150 to receptacle 170 and/or open upperend 132, as well as other coupling mechanisms to effect a proper sealbetween substrate 150 and receptacle 170 and/or open upper end 132.

In some aspects, substrate 150 can be unpeeled (e.g., by grasping a pulltab 154 (shown in FIG. 2B) that is extended away from edge 156). Oncegrasped, tab 154 can be peeled back causing substrate 150 to unpeel froma receptacle 170 and/or outer shell 130. Container system 100 caninclude an outer shell 130 with an open upper end 132 and a closed lowerend 131. A cavity can be defined between the open upper end 132 andclosed lower end 131 in which contents or other components can bestored. One or more walls 135, 136, 138, 139 can extend from closedlower end 131 up to open upper end 132 end.

In some aspects, flexible substrate 150 can be releasably sealed to atleast one of receptacle 170 or open upper end 132 (e.g., the upperperimeter of walls 135,136 138, 139) so that upon unpeeling, an innerside of the flexible substrate 150 from receptacle 170 and/or open upperend 132, at least a portion of the flexible substrate 150 remainsadhered to at least one of the receptacle 170 and the open upper end132.

Substrate 150 can be substantially rectangular and include a first edge156 parallel and opposite a second edge 158. A third edge 159 can beorthogonal to either or both of edges 156, 158. A fourth edge 155 can beopposite and parallel edge 159. While substrate 150 is shown with fouredges in a substantially rectangular shape, other shapes of substrate150 are possible, as needed or required. In some aspects, first edge 156can include a pull tab 154. Pull tab 154 can be detachable from theremainder of substrate 150 or can be integrally formed therewith (e.g.,extended outward and/or away from edge 156 so as to be graspable by auser). One or more anchors 152 can be positioned on or adjacent edge158, preferably opposite pull tab 154. The one or more anchors 152 canbe configured, upon unpeeling the inner side 153 from receptacle 170and/or open upper end 132, to remain adhered via adhesive A. In thisrespect, being fixedly adhered allows one or more anchors 152 to permitsubstrate 150 to rotate about anchors 152 in a hinge-like manner torender accessible contents of receptacle 170.

The one or more anchors 152 can be integrally formed with inner surface153 and outer surface 151 of substrate 150, as shown in FIG. 5A which isa close-up of section 5A-5A of FIG. 2B. One or more anchors 152 caninclude a paddle-like shape and extend from one or more cutouts 152 blocated adjacent edge 158. A fixed end 152 c of anchor 152 can berelatively short and thin relative to a wider, longer elongate portion152 a. An outer edge of the one or more cutouts 152 b can besubstantially elongate with a constant width and relatively flattenedand/or blunt distal edge, opposite fixed end 152 c. A ratio can bedefined between the length and the width of the one or more cutouts 152b. For example, in certain aspects the ratio of the length and the widthof one or more cutouts 152 b can vary from 1.5:1 to 6:1, and in thepreferred embodiment can vary between 4:1 and 5:1. Preferably, thelength of cutout 152 b can be approximately 22 mm and the width of thecutout 152 b can be about 5 mm. However, these dimensions are merelyexemplary and not intended to be limiting, as other lengths and widthsof cutout 152 b are contemplated, as needed or required.

A proximal end of the one or more cutouts 152 b can include a pair ofrounded portions 152 d positioned around a thinned portion of fixed end152 c. Portions 152 d can be relatively circular or elliptical so thatfixed end 152 c can have a centralmost portion to be thinnest whereasproximal and distal portions of end 152 c can taper outward. Forexample, end 152 c can taper from a thinnest portion in its centralmostportion to the relatively constant width that commences at a proximalend of an elongate portion 152 a. In certain aspects, portions 152 dwill extend no further than the constant width of cutout 152 b therebylimiting a maximum radius of portion 152 d. A ratio can be definedbetween the radius of portions 152 d and the width of the thinnestportion of end 152 c, which can vary from 1:1 to 5:1, and in thepreferred embodiment is between 1:1 and 2:1. Preferably, the width ofend 152 c can be about 1 mm and the radius of portions 152 b can beabout 1 mm. However, these dimensions are merely exemplary and notintended to be limiting, as other dimensions are contemplated, as neededor required.

In certain aspects, elongate portion 152 a can be configured to fitwithin corresponding cutout 152 b but include a width greater than fixedend 152 c. Similar to the distal edge of corresponding cutout 152 b, adistal edge of elongate portion 152 a can be relatively flat orotherwise blunt with a relatively constant width or radius throughoutits length. Elongate portion 152 a can similarly include the same orsimilar width—length ratio as corresponding cutout 152 b except forbeing slightly offset from corresponding cutout 152 b so as to permitthe rest of substrate 150 to move between configurations, as needed orrequired.

Elongate portion 152 a can be configured so that, upon unpeelingsubstrate 150 from the container by urging edge 156 toward edge 158,elongate portion 152 a will remain fixedly adhered. In some aspects, oneor more anchors 152 can be fixedly adhered by thermal or ultrasonicwelding, adhesives, or any other suitable means. For example, anchor 152can include an adhesive different (e.g., with a different tack) from theadhesive A of the remainder of substrate 150, so that anchor 152 canremain fixedly attached while the remainder of substrate 150 viaadhesive A is capable of sealing and resealing between uses. In someaspects, the one or more anchors 152 can be fixedly adhered by thermalor ultrasonic welding or any other suitable means

As shown in FIG. 5A, in certain aspects elongate portion 152 a can bereleasably and fixedly adhered to planar surface 171 b. For example, oneor more anchors 152 can include a relatively thin, fixed end 152 c fromwhich elongate portion 152 a extends along and adhered to planar surface171 b. Elongate portion 152 a can be wider than fixed end 152 c.Elongate portion 152 a can be configured so that, upon unpeelingsubstrate 150 from the container by edge 156 toward edge 158, elongateportion 152 a will remain adhered. In some aspects, one or more anchors152 can be fixedly attached by thermal or ultrasonic welding, adhesives,or any other suitable means.

As shown in FIG. 5B, which is a close-up of section 5B-5B of FIG. 2B, atleast one of walls 135, 136, 138, 139 can include one or more receivers137 a, 137 b configured to securely engage with a locking mechanism 177of receptacle 170 once receptacle 170 is nested within outer shell 130.Locking mechanisms 177 may interact with corresponding receivers 137 a,137 b, to prevent unintentional withdrawal of receptacle 170 from outershell 130. For example, the interaction between locking mechanisms 177and receivers 137 a, 137 b may counteract an upward force exerted onreceptacle 170 when substrate 150 is unpeeled. Receivers 137 a, 137 b ofouter shell 130 can include a latch inwardly extended from the one ormore walls 135, 136, 138, 139 to which the locking mechanism 177 canrotatably, pivotally, or otherwise hingedly couple when receptacle 170is nested within outer shell 130. In FIG. 5B, while marking 134 is shownalong the inner surface of wall 139, marking 134 in FIG. 5B is intendedto illustrate marking 134 as it forms an outward extended indentationthat can be touched or sensed by an end user along the opposite, outersurface of wall 139.

An example locking mechanism 177 of receptacle 170 can be seen in FIG. 3and FIG. 5A, which is a close-up of section 5A-5A of FIG. 2B. Lockingmechanism 177 in some aspects can be contiguously formed with the atleast one of planar upper surface 171 b and/or one or more of walls 175,176, 178, 179 of receptacle 170. For example, in FIG. 5A lockingmechanism 177 is shown with a locking panel 177 b extended away from abottom portion of wall 175 and coupled thereto by hinge 177 a. Panel 177b can be, for example, one or more depressible tabs, depressiblebuttons, or any other suitable mechanism for selectively engaging withreceivers 137 a, 137 b. In some examples, locking panel 177 b can befolded upward toward planar surface 171 b so that upon folding oflocking panel 177 b upward toward planar surface 171 b, a naturalresiliency of a hinge-like surface formed by the folding of lockingpanel 177 b can cause receptacle 170 to be biased outwardly, away fromthe wall or edge from which it extends. Accordingly, locking panel 177 bcan be selectively depressed inwardly by the user.

In some aspects, locking panel 177 b can be in the same plane as a lowersurface of corresponding portion of receptacle 170 (e.g., one or more ofwalls 175, 176, 178, 179). Mechanism 177 can be configured so that panel177 b naturally is biased inward so that pressing against correspondinginner wall(s) of outer shell 130 causes a friction fit between mechanism177 and outer shell 130, including any corresponding receiver (s) 137 a,137 b. In some aspects, locking mechanism 177 b can be folded upwardfrom hinge 177 a. While an integrally formed hinge 177 a is shown inFIG. 5A, other mechanisms to induce a biased pivot or rotation typemovement are contemplated for use with system 100. Similar features ofmechanism 177 are included in the opposite wall 179 of receptacle 170,as shown in FIG. 3 .

In this example, locking mechanism 177 can catch between the latch ofcorresponding receiver 137 a, 137 b to induce secure engagement betweenreceptacle 170 and outer shell 130. Optionally, locking panel 177 b andhinge 177 a can be sized such that at the full extent of the permittedtravel of locking panel 177 b, an outer tip of locking panel 177 b canabut or contact corresponding one or more receivers 137 a, 137 b.

FIG. 6A depicts an upper isometric, exploded view of a container system200, in the form of a sleeve-and-drawer style container with examplereceptacle 270 and substrate 250 withdrawn, just prior to being advancedin opening 218 of sleeve 210. Sleeve 210 can be formed, for example, offolded paper materials such as paperboard, cardboard, or the like. Insome embodiments, sleeve 210 may alternatively be formed of moldedplastic materials such as PET, HDPE, PVC, LDPE, PP or polystyrene. Insome embodiments, sleeve 210 may be formed of a stamped metal materialsuch as aluminum, tin, or the like. FIG. 6B depicts receptacle 270partially advanced through opening 218 with substrate 250 being openedabout anchors 252, which are positioned at least partially in sleeve210. Substrate 250 can be opened, similar to substrate 150, andtherefore does not need to be positioned within sleeve 210 at all inorder to be opened, as shown in FIG. 6B.

Substrate 250 can be largely similar to previous substrate 150,inclusive of positioning and structure of example anchors 252 withrespect to sleeve 210 and/or receptacle 270. Anchors 252 may besubstantially similar to anchors 152 described above. Sleeve 210 can bea unitary structure that includes an enclosure with opening 218 oppositea closed distal edge 216. Edge 276 of receptacle 270 (e.g., its distalend) can be advanced through opening 218. One or more foldable tabs 218a can be positioned on opposite sides of opening 218. In FIG. 6A, eachof tabs 218 a are depicted relatively open whereas in FIG. 6B tabs 218are folded inward so as to be aligned or otherwise parallel with sidewalls 215, 219 of sleeve 210. Receptacle 270 can include one or morerecesses 271 a and planar surface 271 b, which in FIG. 6B is depicted asalong an upper perimetral surface of walls 275, 276, 278, 279. Whileonly a single recess 271 a is shown in FIG. 6B, more than one recesses271 a is contemplated, similar to recesses 171 a.

FIG. 7A depicts an upper isometric, exploded view of system 200 withmodified substrate 250′. Substrate 250′ here can include one or moreportions 257 capable of being separately unpeeled from receptacle 270(e.g., from around an upper perimetral surface of a recess 271 a) and/orsubstrate 250. The one or more portions 257 can be can be opened (e.g.,unpeeled), similar to substrates 150 and 250.

Container system 200 can include a pair of opposite locking mechanisms277, with hinge 277 a and panel 277 b. Panel 277 b may include forexample, depressible tabs, depressible buttons, or any other suitablemechanism for selectively engaging locking ports 213. In some aspects,panel 277 b may be hinged tabs extending from and attached to hinge 277a. Locking mechanisms 277 may be integrally formed with wall 275, suchthat they may be folded upward. Upon folding of locking mechanisms 277upward toward the upper surface of receptacle 270, a resiliency of thehinges may cause the locking mechanisms 277 to be biased outwardly, awayfrom respective side wall of receptacle 270. Locking mechanism 270, asdescribed herein, may further include one or more of the featuresdescribed in U.S. application Ser. No. 17/454,084, the entirety of whichis incorporated by reference in its entirety as if set forth verbatim.

Mechanisms 277 can be optionally localized at or adjacent edge 276 so asto securely engage with corresponding tabs 218 a when tabs 218 arefolded inwardly, as in FIG. 6B. Mechanism 277 can prevent receptacle 270from becoming fully separated or detached from sleeve 210, as shown inFIG. 6B when receptacle 270 is at least partially assembled with sleeve210. Mechanisms 277 may further serve to make container system 200 childresistant. For example, one or more locking ports 213 can be provided onsleeve 210 with which mechanisms 277 may selectively engage. An end usermay disengage mechanisms 277 from locking ports 213 by depressingmechanisms 277 inwardly, thereby allowing receptacle 270 to sliderelative to sleeve 210 to make the contents accessible. Container system200, as described herein, may further include one or more of thefeatures described in U.S. application Ser. No. 17/454,084 as well assubject matter of U.S. application Ser. No. 29/788,824 filed Jul. 30,2021, the entirety of which is incorporated by reference in its entiretyas if set forth verbatim.

FIG. 8 depicts a method 800 of assembling any of the herein disclosedcontainer systems. Step 810 of method 800 can include adhering an innerside of a flexible substrate to an opening and/or an upper surface ofthe receptacle. The flexible substrate can be any of this disclosure,including one with a first edge and a second edge opposite the firstedge, and one or more anchors positioned on or adjacent the second edge.The one or more anchors can be integrally formed with the inner side andextend from one or more cutouts of the flexible substrate adjacent thesecond edge. The one or more anchors can include a paddle-like shapewith an elongate portion having a constant width. Step 820 of method 800can include unpeeling, from the first edge, the inner side of theflexible substrate from the opening and/or the upper surface of thereceptacle such that, upon unpeeling the inner side of the flexiblesubstrate to expose the contents, one or more anchors of the flexiblesubstrate opposite the first edge remain adhered to the opening and/orthe upper surface of the receptacle. Method 800 can end after step 820.In other embodiments, additional steps according to the examplesdescribed above can be performed.

The systems and methods of this disclosure are beneficial by forproviding content-dispensing container systems that can be repeatedlyopened, re-closed many times without failure, with optimized containersize relative to the size of its contents to minimize materials andreduce associated container shipping containers, with costs as low aspossible, and also maintaining durable structural integrity. Andalthough the exemplary embodiments described above have been disclosedin connection with a child-resistant container, those skilled in the artwill understand that the principles set out above can be applied to anycontainer and can be implemented in different ways without departingfrom the scope of the disclosure as defined by the claims. Inparticular, construction details, including manufacturing techniques andmaterials, are well within the understanding of those of skill in theart and have not been set out in detail here. These and othermodifications and variations are well within the scope of the presentdisclosure and can be envisioned and implemented by those of skill inthe art.

While certain features of the present disclosure are discussed withinthe context of exemplary procedures, systems, and methods may be usedaccording to the general principles disclosed. The presently disclosedembodiments, therefore, are considered in all respects to beillustrative and not restrictive. It will therefore be apparent from theforegoing that while particular forms of the disclosure have beenillustrated and described, various modifications can be made withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the disclosure and all changesthat come within the meaning and range of equivalents thereof areintended to be embraced therein. It is intended that the specificationand examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope andspirit of the present disclosure being indicated by the followingclaims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A container, comprising: an outer shellcomprising an opening; a receptacle insertable through the opening ofthe outer shell, the receptacle configured to receive contents of thecontainer; and a flexible substrate releasably sealed to the receptacle,the flexible substrate comprising a first edge, a second edge oppositethe first edge, and one or more anchors positioned on or adjacent thesecond edge, wherein each of the one or more anchors are configured,upon unpeeling an inner side of the flexible substrate from thereceptacle, to remain adhered to the receptacle.
 2. The container ofclaim 1, wherein the outer shell includes an open upper end, and furthercomprising a cover releasably connected to the open upper end to form anenclosure between the cover and the outer shell.
 3. The container ofclaim 1, wherein the first edge comprises a pull tab.
 4. The containerof claim 3, wherein the inner side comprises an adhesive configured toremovably seal the inner side to an upper planar surface of thereceptacle.
 5. The container of claim 3, wherein the one or more anchorsis integrally formed with the inner side and extending from one or morecutouts located adjacent the second edge, wherein the one or moreanchors comprise a fixed end positioned on or adjacent the second edgeand an elongate portion extended away from the second edge within theone or more cutouts.
 6. The container of claim 1, wherein the outershell comprises a closed lower end and a cavity defined between theclosed lower end and the open upper end.
 7. The container of claim 6,wherein one or more walls are extended from the closed lower end to theopen upper end of the outer shell, the one or more walls comprising oneor more receivers configured to securely engage with a locking mechanismof the receptacle once the receptacle is nested within the outer shell.8. The container of claim 7, wherein the one or more receivers comprisea latch inwardly extended from the one or more walls to which thelocking mechanism couples when the receptacle is nested within the outershell.
 9. The container of claim 1, wherein the receptacle is a lockingblister comprising one or more recesses configured to receive thecontents.
 10. The container of claim 9, wherein the one or more recessescomprise at least three spaced apart recesses contiguous with a planarupper surface of the receptacle, each of the at least three spaced apartrecesses configured to separately receive a portion of the contents. 11.The container of claim 9, wherein the receptacle includes: a planarupper surface adjacent the one or more recesses; and a locking mechanismextended from at least one of the planar upper surface and a wall of thereceptacle to securely engage the receptacle with one or more receiversof the outer shell.
 12. The container of claim 11, wherein thereceptacle is an integrally formed plastic structure.
 13. The containerof claim 11, wherein the locking mechanism is contiguously formed withthe at least one of the planar upper surface and the wall of thereceptacle, the locking mechanism comprising a locking panel hingedlyarticulating away from a first edge of the receptacle.
 14. The containerof claim 11, wherein the locking mechanism includes a first lockingpanel extended from a wall positioned on a first edge of the planarupper surface and a second locking panel extended away from a wallpositioned on a second edge of the planar upper surface, the first edgebeing opposite the second edge.
 15. A flexible substrate, comprising: aninner side configured to be adhered to an opening of a container; afirst edge comprising a pull tab; a second edge opposite the first edge;and one or more anchors positioned on or adjacent the second edge, theone or more anchors being integrally formed with the inner side andextending from one or more cutouts located adjacent the second edge;wherein each of the one or more anchors are configured, upon unpeelingthe inner side from the container, to remain adhered to the opening ofthe container.
 16. The substrate of claim 15, wherein the one or moreanchors comprise a paddle-like shape with an elongate portion comprisinga constant width and a fixed end proximally extended from the elongateportion comprising a width less than the constant width of the elongateportion.
 17. The substrate of claim 16, wherein the one or more cutoutscomprise a pair of rounded portions curved into a centralmost portion ofthe fixed end.
 18. The substrate of claim 15, wherein each elongatedportion is configured, upon unpeeling the substrate from the containerby the first edge toward the second edge, to remain adhered to theopening of the container.
 19. The substrate of claim 15, wherein theinner side is unpeeled by the first edge toward the second edge from thecontainer by grasping the pull tab.
 20. A method of assembling acontainer comprising an outer shell or a sleeve comprising an openingand a receptacle insertable through the opening and configured toreceive contents of the container, the method comprising: adhering aninner side of a flexible substrate to at least one of the opening and anupper surface of the receptacle, the flexible substrate comprising afirst edge and a second edge opposite the first edge, and one or moreanchors positioned on or adjacent the second edge, the one or moreanchors being integrally formed with the inner side and extending fromone or more cutouts of the flexible substrate adjacent the second edge,the one or more anchors comprising a paddle-like shape with an elongateportion comprising a constant width; and unpeeling, from the first edge,the inner side of the flexible substrate from the at least one of theopening and the upper surface of the receptacle such that, uponunpeeling the inner side of the flexible substrate to expose thecontents, one or more anchors of the flexible substrate opposite thefirst edge remain adhered to the at least one of the opening and theupper surface of the receptacle.
 21. The method of claim 20, furthercomprising: extending a fixed end portion of the one or more anchorsfrom the elongate portion, the fixed end comprising a width less thanthe constant width of the elongate portion.
 22. The method of claim 20,further comprising: sealing, from the first edge, the inner side of theflexible substrate back to the at least one of the opening and the uppersurface of the receptacle.